The Ultimate Boy Scouts Quiz

In an era when parents are desperate to find safe and nurturing activities for their kids, organizations like the Boy Scouts of America are really thriving. With wholesome activities such as hiking and camping, and an emphasis on honesty and community service, scouting provides an excellent model for a healthy childhood. This quintessentially American fraternity, however, wasn't actually developed in the U.S. Take this quiz to learn more about the Boy Scouts.

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Question 1 of 20

When was the Boy Scouts of America organization established?

1900

1910

It was established in 1910, based on the British scouting movement.

1920

Question 2 of 20

Who established the Boy Scouts of America?

William Boyd

W.D. Boyce

W.D. Boyce, a publisher from Chicago, established the Boy Scouts after learning about the British scouting movement while on a trip to England.

W.E.B. Du Bois

Question 3 of 20

What is the motto of the Boy Scouts?

The motto of the Boy Scouts is "for God and country."

The motto of the Boy Scouts is "be prepared."

The motto "be prepared" speaks to the Boy Scouts of America's focus on preparation and planning, both in the short and long terms.

The motto of the Boy Scouts is "scout's honor."

Question 4 of 20

What is the name of the youngest Boy Scout group?

Lion Cubs

Bear Cubs

Tiger Cubs

At the youngest end of the spectrum are the Tiger Cubs.

Question 5 of 20

How old do you have to be join the Tiger Cubs?

first grade

The Tiger Cubs, the youngest section of the Boy Scouts, is for first graders.

third grade

fifth grade

Question 6 of 20

From second through fifth grade, what do the Boy Scouts offer?

Tiger Scouts

Cub Scouts

The next stage of the Boy Scout process is the Cub Scouts, in which most Boy Scouts participate.

Boy Scouts

Question 7 of 20

At what age does a boy qualify for Boy Scouts?

nine years old

11 years old

To join the actual Boy Scouts, a boy must be over the age of 11.

13 years old

Question 8 of 20

Until what age can someone participate in the Boy Scouts?

17

Scouting is for boys between the ages of 11 and 17, after which another option is available within the organization.

The Varsity Scouts is a section of the Boy Scout organization that participates in adventure sports.

Question 11 of 20

Until what age can someone participate in the Venture Scouts?

18

20

The Venture Scouts, who focus on leadership and teaching skills, may continue until the age of 20.

25

Question 12 of 20

What is the purpose of the buddy system?

to promote friendship

to reduce the risk of sexual abuse

In an attempt to reduce the risk of sexual abuse, all meetings involving a Boy Scout and an adult participant must be observed by a third party.

to increase participation

Question 13 of 20

Approximately how many people have participated in the Boy Scouts?

1.1 million

11 million

110 million

To date more than 110 million young men have participated in some Scouts program.

Question 14 of 20

How many different types of merit badges do the Boy Scouts have?

50

75

100

There are more than 100 different kinds of merit badges that a Boy Scout can earn for everything from camping skills to community service.

Question 15 of 20

To earn a merit badge a scout must first speak with whom?

a parent

a scoutmaster

The first step to earning a merit badge is to speak with his scoutmaster.

a volunteer leader

Question 16 of 20

What is the Order of the Arrow?

a special Boy Scout troop

a secret rite of passage in the Boy Scouts

a rare Boy Scout honor

The Order of the Arrow is one of the most highly respected marks of honor a Scout can earn. It's awarded in recognition of a life lived according to the Boy Scout Oath and Law.

Question 17 of 20

How many Boy Scouts have received the Order of the Arrow?

200,000

Of the 110 million participants in the Boy Scouts to date, about 200,000 have received the Order of the Arrow.

2 million

20 million

Question 18 of 20

What are the Boy Scouts' total revenues?

$65 million

$650 million

The Boy Scouts is a non-profit organization with current annual revenues totaling just under $650 million.

$6.5 billion

Question 19 of 20

Which three groups are traditionally denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America?

the physically handicapped, the mentally handicapped, and those with psychological problems

the "godless," gay, and girls

Those barred from entry are referred to as the 3 Gs -- the godless, girls, and gays. Since the organization is private, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the Boy Scouts of America's right to select its membership.

African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics

Question 20 of 20

By how much has Cub Scout membership decreased over the past decade?

50,000 members

500,000 members

Since 2000 membership in the Boy Scouts has dropped by about 500,000 members.